Agencies throughout the Southern District awarded grants from U.S. Department of Justice

SAVANNAH, GA: A series of grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice will fund a broad variety of crime-fighting initiatives in communities across the Southern District of Georgia.

Part of more than $376 million in nationwide grants from the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs (OJP), the grants range from $11,013 for the city of Hinesville, Ga., to a $399,998 grant to Chatham County, Ga., Altogether, eight grants to six agencies or government entities in the Southern District total more than $634,176, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

“Crime and violence hold families, friends and neighborhoods hostage, and they rip communities apart,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These programs help restore the health and safety of crime-ravaged communities by supporting prevention activities, aiding in the apprehension and prosecution of perpetrators, facilitating appropriate sentencing and adjudication, and providing communities and their residents the means for recovery and healing.”

“These grants represent a significant boost to our law enforcement partners throughout the Southern District,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Whether large or small, this additional funding will provide a wide range of assistance for continuing efforts to improve safety and security in our communities.”

Those receiving awards include:

• Chatham County, receiving a $399,998 grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to improve responses and outcomes for individuals with mental illnesses or substance abuse who come in contact with the justice system; 
• The city of Savannah, receiving a $111,462 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on local needs and conditions;
• Augusta-Richmond County, receiving a $31,826 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on local needs and conditions; and, a $19,400 grant from the Bureau of Justice Statistics to assist in transitioning crime statistic reporting to the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS);
• The city of Hinesville, receiving an $18,000 grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to support the implementation of body-worn cameras for police officers, and an $11,013 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on local needs and conditions;
• The city of Hazlehurst, receiving a $26,000 grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to support the implementation of body-worn cameras for police officers; and,
• Glynn County, receiving a $16,477 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on local needs and conditions.

The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training and technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.